BOSTON CREAM CUPCAKES RECIPE

Prepare one large package of Jello Vanilla cook-and-serve pudding or make pudding from scratch, recipe follows:

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoon cornstarch

1/8 tsp. salt

2 cup milk

2 egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla. Cool for 15 minutes.

Prepare cupcakes from a yellow cake mix according to directions or make from scratch; recipe follows:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup milk

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly each time. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating just to combine. finally, stir in vanilla. Pour batter into the prepared pan.Bake at 350 degrees F 15 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely.

When cupcakes are completely cooled, cut a cone out of the top of the cupcake. spoon in a fat dollop of pudding, pushing inside the cupcake with a teaspoon to fill it with pudding. Put the top back on lightly. It is okay if a little pudding drips out.

Heat a can of dark chocolate frosting in microwave for 30 seconds on high or make your own frosting; recipe follows:

•

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 one-ounce squares semi-sweet chocolate, cut into small bits

• 2 Tbs butter

• 1/4 cup light cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted

• Stir the chocolate bits and the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat until they are completely melted. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, add 1/4 cup cream in a thin stream. When this mixture is smooth sift the powdered sugar over the top, and beat vigorously for a minute or two. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.